Most of the best ones also have an interesting system or power structure. In 'The Rising of the Shield Hero', the protagonist is summoned as one of the four cardinal heroes, but is initially ostracized. His unique power of the shield and how he develops it throughout the story is a major draw. It adds an element of strategy and progression to the novel.
Character development is key. In 'Konosuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!', the characters start off with certain personalities and grow as they experience their new, reincarnated lives. Kazuma, the main character, becomes more resourceful and his relationships with the other characters, like Aqua and Megumin, evolve in interesting ways.
The best reincarnation light novels often have unique settings. For example, they might be set in a high - fantasy world like 'That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime'. Here, the main character is reincarnated as a slime in a world full of magic and different races. This unique setting allows for a lot of creative storytelling.
A common characteristic is the contrast between the protagonist's past life and new life. For example, in 'My Next Life as a Villainess', the main character goes from a normal modern - day life to being a villainess in an otome game world. This contrast sets up interesting situations for the story. Another characteristic is the slow - burn romance. In 'Ascendance of a Bookworm', the relationship between the main character and the nobleman develops gradually over time as they get to know each other's personalities and goals. It makes the romance more believable and engaging.
Often, they feature characters who are reborn or reincarnated into a new world, usually a fantasy or alternate universe. This new world has its own set of rules, magic systems, and species.
Good reincarnation light novels often have an interesting premise. For example, the idea of starting a new life in a different world or with a different form, like in 'That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime'.
Typically, the main female character has memories of her past life. This gives her an advantage as she can use her previous knowledge in the new world. For example, in some novels, she might use her modern - day knowledge of science or technology in a medieval - like fantasy world.
They often have power - up elements. The protagonist usually gains new abilities or powers in the new world. In 'Overlord', Ainz has his powerful magic from his previous life as a gamer and also gains new abilities in the new world. Also, there's a sense of adventure. The characters go on quests, fight monsters, and interact with different races, just like in 'KonoSuba' where Kazuma and his party are constantly on some sort of adventure.
These novels usually have a complex cosmology. There are different realms or planes of existence that are related to the reincarnation process. Souls might travel between these realms, and the nature of each realm affects the nature of the reincarnation. For instance, a soul might be purified or corrupted depending on the realm it passes through.
One of the best is 'Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World'. It has a great story of Subaru being reincarnated into a fantasy world and his repeated attempts to change the fate of those around him. Another good one is 'That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime'. Rimuru's journey from being a reincarnated slime to building a powerful nation is really engaging.
Well, 'So I'm a Spider, So What?' is a great reincarnation worldbuilding light novel. The story is about a girl who is reincarnated as a spider in a dungeon - like world. The worldbuilding here is amazing as it shows how the spider - protagonist has to survive and thrive in a world full of dangerous creatures. It details the evolution system of the spiders and other monsters, as well as the overall structure of the dungeon world. Also, 'Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken' (That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime) has excellent worldbuilding. The slime - protagonist builds a new society in a world where there are various intelligent races, and the magic and political systems are well - developed.
Another aspect is the world - building. In light novels such as 'Overlord', the detailed and imaginative world of the game - turned - real - world for Momonga is amazing. It has its own rules, cultures, and species, which makes the reading experience very immersive.
Well, 'I Shall Seal the Heavens' is a very popular reincarnation Chinese light novel. The story is about a young man who is reincarnated and embarks on an amazing adventure filled with powerful magic, strange beasts, and complex characters. It's really engaging. And then there's 'Desolate Era' which also features a reincarnation theme and has a vast world - building with different races and power systems.